personal advice ● psa
By Misty Maaya
Building an Alliance
The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of
Florida is encouraging women of all
ages to be aware of the different
types of cancer that affect them by
undergoing regular tests
B eing intelligent females in
the pageant world, I know
you take good care of your-
selves, both inside and out,
which also means visiting
your healthcare providers for your an-
nual check-ups. These visits almost
always include a breast exam, as well
as a pelvic exam and Pap smear. You
leave this visit believing that you have
been thoroughly checked for any is-
sues that may have occurred since
your last visit... but have you?
The Pap smear only tests for cervi-
cal cancer. Cervical cancer is only one
type of gynecological cancer. There is
NO test for any of the other forms of
gynecological cancer, and YOU must
be your own advocate against these
other cancers.
GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
The Centers for Disease Control
deﬁne gynecologic cancer as “any can-
cer that starts in a woman’s reproduc-
tive organs.”
Gynecologic cancers begin in dif-
ferent places within a woman’s pelvis,
which is the area below the stomach
and in between the hip bones.
Ⅲ Cervical cancer
Ⅲ Ovarian cancer
Ⅲ Uterine cancer
Ⅲ Vaginal cancer
Ⅲ Vulvar cancer
There is also a sixth, but very rare
68 PAGEANTRY
type of gynecologic cancer: fallopian
tube cancer.
pain with intercourse, constipation
and menstrual irregularities.
ABOUT OVARIAN CANCER
THE OVARIAN CANCER
ALLIANCE OF FLORIDA
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest
form of gynecologic cancer and ac-
counts for approximately three per-
cent of all cancers in women. The
American Cancer Society estimates
that in 2013, about 22,240 new cases
of ovarian cancer will be diagnosed
and 15,500 women will die of ovarian
cancer in the U.S.
Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 71
women, at any age. Increasing age and
personal or family history of breast,
colon, or ovarian cancer increases risk.
Most women are diagnosed with a
46% 5-year survival rate, but early de-
tection can improve survival rates to
93%. It is vital that we educate
women and girls about the symptoms
of ovarian cancer so that they may
take control of their bodies and be an
advocate for their own health.
Because there is no test for ovarian
cancer, we must know what is normal
for our bodies. Symptoms to look for
include: Ⅲ Bloating
Ⅲ Pelvic or abdominal pain
Ⅲ Difﬁculty eating or feeling full
quickly Ⅲ Urinary symptoms
Several other symptoms may in-
clude fatigue, indigestion, back pain,
The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of
Florida is the only organization in
Central Florida that educates and ad-
vocates for good gynecological health
for both women and girls, and provides
programs developed exclusively for gy-
necological cancer patients. Its mission
is to ignite the ﬁght against ovarian
and other gynecological cancers.
GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER
MONTH The OCAF and organizations all
across the United States are on a mis-
sion to turn our country teal during
the month of September. Join us by
supporting your local organizations,
wearing your teal, and helping us
spread the word about ovarian cancer
and its symptoms.
The Ovarian Cancer National Al-
liance is a supported charity of the
Miss USA organization. Ⅺ
Misty Maaya is the Director of Development
and Programs for the Ovarian Cancer
Alliance of Florida and has worked with
numerous non-proﬁt organizations in the
ﬁelds of women’s health, disaster recovery, and
community redevelopment.